Issue: Unable to Retrieve the Current Published Version of a Canvas App

Question

Issue: Unable to Retrieve the Current Published Version of a Canvas App

Khinchi, Shalu 0

We need to retrieve the currently published version of a Power Apps Canvas App dynamically at runtime.

We tested the following approaches:

1. GetApps()

We attempted to retrieve the App ID using:

LookUp(
    PowerAppsforMakers.GetApps().value,
    properties.displayName = "<App Display Name>",
    name
)

Our environment contains a large number of apps. Due to the result/delegation limitations of GetApps(), this does not reliably identify the required app.

2. GetAppVersions()

After obtaining the App ID, we used:

PowerAppsforMakers.GetAppVersions(AppID).value

However, GetAppVersions() returns only 10 versions in our scenario.

The app currently has more than 10 versions, and the currently published version is version 13. Since version 13 is not included in the returned results, we cannot determine the actual published version.

3. Edit Mode vs Published App

We have also observed that, in some cases, the version information appears correct when the app is opened in Edit mode, but the same approach does not return the expected version when the app is published and accessed by an end user.

Our requirement is specifically to retrieve the published/live version currently running for the end user.

Expected Result

We need a Microsoft-supported method to dynamically retrieve the current published version of the Canvas App at runtime.

For example:

Total app versions: 13+

Current published version: 13

Expected result: 13

The solution should not require:

Hardcoding the App ID

Hardcoding the app version

Retrieving all apps using GetApps()

Relying on the first 10 results from GetAppVersions()

Questions

Is there a Power Fx function or system property that directly returns the current published/live version of the Canvas App?

Is there a supported way to retrieve the current App ID from within the app without using GetApps()?

Is the 10-version result limitation of GetAppVersions() expected behavior?

If yes, is there a supported pagination/filtering mechanism to retrieve versions beyond the first 10?

Is there another Microsoft API or connector that can directly return the latest published version of a Canvas App?

Why can the version information differ between Edit mode and the published app runtime?

What is Microsoft's recommended supported approach for retrieving the currently published Canvas App version at runtime?

We would appreciate a supported solution or recommended approach for this requirement.

0 comments

1 answer

Your answer

Answer 1

Hi @Khinchi, Shalu

For your concerns:

Regarding any Power Fx function or system property that directly returns the current published/live version of the Canvas App

Currently, I have not found any Power Fx function or built-in Canvas App runtime property that directly returns the currently published/live version of the running app. While Power Apps maintains version history and publication state, I am not aware of a Microsoft-supported runtime API or Power Fx property that exposes the currently published version number to the app itself.

Regarding supported methods to retrieve the current App ID without using GetApps()

Based on my research, Microsoft provides documented methods to obtain an App ID for troubleshooting and administration purposes. You can refer to the following documentation: Get session and app ID details

However, I am not aware of a documented Power Fx function or runtime property that allows a Canvas App to programmatically retrieve its own App ID while running.

Regarding the 10-version result limitation of GetAppVersions()

At this time, I have been unable to locate Microsoft documentation that explicitly confirms a 10-version limit, guarantees retrieval of all versions, or documents a supported pagination mechanism for retrieving additional version records. Therefore, I cannot confirm from the available documentation whether the observed limit is expected behavior or a service limitation.

Reference: Power Apps for Makers

For the version information differences between Edit mode and the published app runtime

From my understanding, when a maker opens an app in Edit mode, they may be working with a newer draft or unpublished changes. End users, however, execute the last published version of the application.

As a result, metadata or version-related information observed during editing may not necessarily reflect the version currently being executed by end users.

Please note that this summary is based on my own findings and may not fully address your concerns. To ensure that you receive the most accurate and effective assistance, I would recommend posting your question in the Power Platform community.

The Power Platform Community is actively monitored by community members, MVPs, and Power Apps experts who work with the platform on a daily basis. Since your question relates to Canvas App versioning, runtime metadata, and the behavior of the Power Apps for Makers connector, the community may be able to provide additional insights, implementation experience, or workarounds that could help you achieve your goal.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to comment below. I would be happy to assist further.